SEA ISLAND, GEORGIA....THE CLOISTERS

SEA ISLAND, GEORGIA...THE CLOISTERS, SEASIDE GOLF COURSE
On recent visit to Georgia, I stayed at the famed 5 star Sea Island Resort on St. Simons Island. While very expensive, it lives up to its ratings in every way, especially with its beautiful Sea Side Golf Course. I have, over the last few years, decided to stay fewer days in fantastic resorts instead of longer vacations in mediocre places. It generally comes out to the same cost and turns out to be more exciting and special. The Cloisters at Sea Island didn’t disappoint.

Seaside’s design was completed by Harry S. Colt and Charles Alison in 1929, two famed course architects from Scotland. They also designed many of the country’s top private clubs such as Century Country Club in Purchase, N.Y. as well as a number of tracks in Scotland. The course was updated in 1999 by Tom Fazio and retains a GD Top 100 rating with 4.5 stars. The course will be host to the PGA’s McGladrey Classic in October, hosted by Davis Love III.

Seaside is one of the most picturesque courses I have played and certainly one of the best resort courses in the country. The track carries a Par 70 at 6557 yards from the back tees. The course has a 73.2 rating with a 136 slope. The pros will be playing in excess of 7000 yards in the McGladrey event. The lay of the land as designed by Colt and Alison reflects their Scottish heritage with many holes framed by dunes and native grasses. There are large bunkers and lots of them guarding the greens. It is said that the greens, that were in perfect condition, are very similar to Augusta in terms of speed and the crowns on the back nine. Breaks are a challenge to read as they often do not look as big as they are with the speeds. The course rewards straight drives and can provide some nasty challenges if you’re off the short grass, especially on the left sides of many holes.
There is a lot of water throughout the course, much of it not in play but providing some beautiful views looking across the course. There are a variety of holes with views of the sea with breezes alternating from the ocean and river that borders the land. The Par 3’s are gems. This track was wonderful to play, fun, esthetically beautiful and in primo condition. There is also what is considered one of the best learning centers in the country at Seaside as well as Plantation, a terrific sister course.

The Cloisters resort was magnificent and very much like the Sanctuary in Kiawah Island. The spa and fitness center are as good as you will find anywhere as are the beach facilities. Off site and nearby were a variety of great restaurants to sample seafood and low country fares. Highly recommended to those who want to give themselves a special treat. The resort is about 1.5 hours drive from Savannah. We stayed in Savannah for two days and one night before heading to the Cloisters to visit the historic district. A fabulous, culturally steeped city spiced with art, architecture and history. Savannah is heavily influenced by its Savannah College of Art & Design that has buildings and exhibitions everywhere. A Southern Jewel.